Beside a disused railway line, in one of the least fashionable areas of Paris, what used to be a multi-story car park is now the funky Mama Shelter Hotel.
Created by French designer Philippe Starck, the unique Mama Shelter combines fun with the ultimate in high-tech comfort.
Features include Wi-Fi and 24" iMacs in every room, whimsical character mask reading lamps (including Chewbacca), and the historic car-park graffiti scribbled on the ceilings and floors remains as part of the decor.
The most outstanding geek-chic feature, however, is the long communal table in the restaurant and bar. It's embedded with video screens so hotel guests can dine atop a sci-fi film.
There is also a pool table, an eight-person foosball table, a yoga room, and a super cool photo booth that enables guests to turn themselves into the art for the hotel walls.
Geek-Chic Accommodations
Mama Shelter Hotel in Paris
Trend Themes
1. Geek Chic Hotels - Hotels integrating playful, tech-savvy elements into their design and amenities are on the rise.
2. Communal Tech Tables - Restaurants and cafes with communal tables embedded with video screens or other high-tech features are creating a unique dining experience.
3. Lifestyle Design Integration - Hotels integrating unique design elements that reflect a particular lifestyle or niche interest are becoming more popular.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hotels and restaurants that embrace playful, tech-savvy elements in their design and amenities can provide a unique customer experience that appeals to a wider range of consumers.
2. Technology - Companies that create video screens or other high-tech features tailored for communal use in hotels and restaurants can tap into a growing market of businesses seeking to create a unique customer experience.
3. Design - Design firms that specialize in integrating unique design elements that reflect a particular lifestyle or niche interest into hotels, restaurants, or other commercial spaces can create distinctive customer experiences for clients.